THOUGHTFUL residents at a sheltered housing scheme in Little Sutton have set up their own shop to help those who can’t go out because of bad weather or immobility.

The not-for-profit shop is run and stocked by residents living at Muir Group Housing Association’s Smithy Court, who volunteer their time to help.

It is open during the weekly coffee morning and sells non-perishable food and household items.

John Fletcher, scheme manager of Smithy Court, said: “We don’t have many shops in the local area any more and some of our residents have limited mobility, which makes shopping further afield difficult.

“It has been a fantastic idea and has been really well-used by our residents – particularly during the recent bad weather.”

Smithy Court is run by Muir Group Housing Association, a not-for-profit landlord that manages 5,000 properties across the country. The sheltered housing scheme provides flats for independent living, with support if needed, for over-55s.